Leeds United: Pressure on contract breakthrough for Jack Harrison shoots up after display vs Brighton
Leeds United must quickly secure the future of Jack Harrison at Elland Road after his impressive performance in the 2-2 draw against Brighton on Saturday [11 March].
The Whites slipped back into the relegation zone despite twice coming from behind to earn a point in an entertaining draw at home to Brighton.
Alexis Mac Allister’s first-half header was quickly cancelled out by Patrick Bamford’s spectacular 20-yard effort before Harrison scored at both ends in an eventful second half.
Despite missing the chance to climb out of the bottom three, manager Javi Gracia will have been impressed by the resilience of his team, especially against a Brighton side riding high in the English top flight.
And one man who was central to the Whites’ efforts at Elland Road was Harrison. The Leeds fan favourite has endured a rather tumultuous couple of months, following his failed January move to Leicester City, which was reportedly blocked by the club board and part owners, 49ers enterprises.
The fleet-footed forward’s form and commitment had been brought into question by the Leeds faithful as a result, but that has reportedly not stopped the West Yorkshire outfit from attempting to secure his future, with the club currently in talks [The Phil Hay Show, 6 March 25m 6s] with the former Manchester City academy star regarding a potential new deal.
And against Brighton, the 26-year-old proved just how pivotal he is to the Leeds cause with an influential and classy showing that may well have ended with him winning all three points for his team.
Harrison recorded a match rating of 7.8 [SofaScore], the highest of any Leeds player on the pitch, complementing his two direct contributions with 60 touches, a 74% pass success rate, three key passes, two tackles, and two interceptions.
But for his unfortunate own goal, Leeds may well have ended the day with all three points, but still had him to thank for their impressive spirit and desire to claw themselves back in the game.
With the Whites currently locked in a nerve-wracking and intense relegation dogfight, Harrison proved yet again how crucial and important he is, and will be, for the club as they look to secure another season in the Premier League.
The next move is quite clear, Leeds United must swiftly secure his long-term future at Elland Road.
In other Leeds news, 2/10 stinker from a senior ace in our player ratings from the 2-2 draw v Brighton.
Be sure to follow MOT Leeds News on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest, breaking news from Elland Road.